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Chapter 18—Mind Cure
The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very
intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition
of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many
realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result
of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt,
distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay
and death.
Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated,
by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if
they only thought so. Many imagine that every slight exposure will
cause illness, and the evil effect is produced because it is expected.
Many die from disease the cause of which is wholly imaginary.
Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and pro-
long life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body
and strength to the soul. “A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like
a medicine.”
Proverbs 17:22
.
In the treatment of the sick the effect of mental influence should
not be overlooked. Rightly used, this influence affords one of the
most effective agencies for combating disease.
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Control of Mind Over Mind
There is, however, a form of mind cure that is one of the most
effective agencies for evil. Through this so-called science, one mind
is brought under the control of another so that the individuality of the
weaker is merged in that of the stronger mind. One person acts out
the will of another. Thus it is claimed that the tenor of the thoughts
may be changed, that health-giving impulses may be imparted, and
patients may be enabled to resist and overcome disease.
This method of cure has been employed by persons who were
ignorant of its real nature and tendency, and who believed it to be a
means of benefit to the sick. But the so-called science is based upon
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